World Footy News

 

The new season for AFL Middle East is fast approaching with all clubs currently in pre-season training and making their plans for their assaults on the 2014/15 premiership. Last year the Doha kangaroos bought change and hope to all clubs when they defeated the Dubai Dragons for their maiden flag, and as a result all teams now know that anyone can win.

 

The new season starts with the Pre-Season Cup to be held in Dubai on Friday October 17th, before Round One kicks off in the first week of November. The season will see five rounds played either side of the Christmas/New Year break, with the Grand Final scheduled for March 20th in Dubai.

 

 

Matt Burn, General Manager at AFL Middle East, has provided an overview of all teams in their preparation for the new season.

 

Abu Dhabi Falcons

“After a strong finish to the 2013/14 season the Falcons have hit the ground running early in 2014. They have been training for around two months now with a local Rugby side and are looking to really use their fitness as an attacking weapon this season. They have kept majority of their list and are looking to introduce their second Emirati into the league. They will be playing in new kit (same colours) for the season.”

Keen to improve on their third placing last year.

 

BM Bulls

“New team introduced to the competition for season 2014/15. The league was approached by Andy Campbell who said they had a full squad who were looking to start their own side in the competition. The league and all five clubs all agreed that it would be good to introduce a sixth team to the competition. The Bulls are backed by Brookfield Multiplex (BM) and 95% of the players are all employed by the business. The unknown side for 2014/15, watch this space!”

New and full of surprises. Could provide upsets.

 

Doha Kangaroos

“What a fantastic story it was with the Kangaroos winning their first premiership in the league last season. The club is in good shape to go back to back by holding the majority of the current squad and will only be travelling once this season compared to three last season. Training has started and look out for the Kangaroos to be the hard running and tactical force again.”

There is no greater incentive that the thought of “back to back”, so a huge chance again.

 

Dubai Dingoes

“The Dingoes are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season last year to their usual standard. They did beat the Dragons and pushed the premiers right to the last quarter last season so will have some confidence when playing both sides again. Numbers were an issue last year but the club have picked up a few more recruits and are looking to push for the premiership. They will be playing in a new kit (same colours) for the season.”

Driven to improve on last year, expect the Dingoes to push hard this season.

 

Dubai Dragons

“The Dragons are looking for revenge for last year’s Grand Final defeat. Club has been training twice a week for 6 weeks now and focusing a lot of their work on their run. Their numbers are already quite high and team selection looks set to be a headache again, which is not such a bad thing. Look out for the new playing kit and merchandise for season 2014/15.”

The Dragon’s will be hurting from last year’s grand final loss, so payback on their minds.

 

Muscat Magpies

“The Magpies showed signs of great improvement last season and will be looking to build on that again. The team is made of 90% Irish Gaelic players and with majority of these players entering their third season we should be seeing a rise up the ladder for 2014/15. One is for sure is that the Magpies will again be a force in the after match "Boat Race"

Nothing to lose, all to gain. Expect Muscat to push all rivals this season.

 

With the arrival of a new club, burning desires for retribution from last year, new playing lists, goals for improvement and the belief that a new season always brings new opportunities, the AFL Middle east competition for 2014/15 could yet be one of the most exciting.

 

 

Left: last yeaar's premiers, Doha Kangaroos